This action, reaction or follow-on allows a phasing or non-phasing character to speak a short phrase. A Speak reaction can be made in response to virtually any action; a Speak follow-on can be made following virtually any action/reaction.
The character does not move on the combat "board" .
A speak action uses one action point for a phrase of up to three words; if a character needs to speak a phrase of more than three words, the action point cost is increased accordingly (i.e. up to six words for two action points, up to nine for three, etc.).
A Speak action might be used to alert a friend to danger. For example, Cogan spots a phasing enemy character sneaking up (Movement action) behind his friend Erik. Cogan chooses to make a Speak reaction and calls out "Erik, behind you!". Erik reacts to this with a Turn reaction.
Alternatively, a Speak action might be used to intimidate opponents. For example, a gang of thugs has cornered Cogan in an alleyway. Cogan draws his weapon (Ready weapon action) and then makes a Speak action, saying "Who dies first!" The referee then allows Cogan to make an intimidation dice roll to scare the thugs away.
Finally, a Speak action can simply used to add flavour to a combat. For example, Cogan has one action point remaining and nothing useful to do with it. He makes a Speak action, snarling "You're dead, scum" at his opponent.